MARCUS Bontempelli has joined Nick Daicos and Zak Butters in a share of the lead in the race for the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, while Luke Jackson has stormed into the top five.
Jackson was one of five players to get a perfect 10 votes in round nine, alongside North Melbourne's Luke Davies-Uniacke, Geelong's Bailey Smith, Melbourne's Kade Chandler and Adelaide's Izak Rankine.
Bontempelli picked up nine votes in his side's win over Port Adelaide to move to 50 votes for the year, with Daicos (zero votes in round nine) and Butters (two) also on 50.
There was a bizarre split of votes from Greater Western Sydney's win over Essendon, with nine players getting between five and one vote.
Elsewhere, Ryan Lester and Lachie Neale had nine votes each in Brisbane's win over Carlton and Daniel Rioli had nine votes in Gold Coast's win over St Kilda.
Every week, the two senior coaches for each game give votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, meaning 10 votes is the maximum a player can get in each round.
The player with the most votes at the end of the home and away season will win the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.
Fremantle v Hawthorn
10 Luke Jackson (FRE)
8 Jack Gunston (HAW)
5 Michael Frederick (FRE)
5 Caleb Serong (FRE)
1 Nick Watson (HAW)
1 Jai Newcombe (HAW)
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20:17
Mini-Match: Fremantle v Hawthorn
Extended highlights of the Dockers and Hawks clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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10:41
Full post-match, R9: Dockers
Watch Fremantle’s press conference after round nine’s match against Hawthorn
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06:16
Full post-match, R9: Hawks
Watch Hawthorn’s press conference after round nine’s match against Fremantle
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03:29
Quick Recap: Fremantle v Hawthorn
Short highlights of the Dockers and Hawks clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:16
Highlights: Fremantle v Hawthorn
The Dockers and Hawks clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:54
Jackson's insane 'desperation' ignites massive Dockers dagger
Luke Jackson throws himself into a huge smother before Michael Frederick delivers the knockout blow to spark big scenes
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01:31
'Wharfie Time!': Optus Stadium rocked by back-to-back stunners
Michael Frederick and Jye Amiss send the home crowd into a frenzy with two massive late moments for the Dockers
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00:52
First-gamer flies off bench to spark Lewis missile
Hawks debutant Bodie Ryan times his interchange to perfection before setting up Mitch Lewis, who delivers a rocket from distance
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00:48
Huge Hawks blow as key defender hurts hammy
Hawthorn suffers a big injury loss in the second quarter with Tom Barrass ruled out with a hamstring issue
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02:25
Veteran Hawk runs riot in five-goal first half
Jack Gunston proves too crafty for Fremantle's defence with a stunning bag of five before half-time
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00:42
'Watch how smart he is': Young Dockers star electrifies
Murphy Reid gets the home crowd buzzing with a cracking move and finish from outside 50
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00:54
'The most desperate, lunging tackle': Watson catches Cox cold
Nick Watson applies some relentless pressure to force the error from Brennan Cox before nailing another goal
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00:43
Freddy, set, go: 'Scintillating' Dockers bring early dazzle
Shai Bolton shows some silky skills in the middle before feeding Michael Frederick for an electric goal
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00:41
'How bold is this?': Wizard's 'magic' opens blockbuster
Hawthorn produces a daring chain through the corridor before Nick Watson snares the opener with class
Brisbane v Carlton
9 Ryan Lester (BL)
9 Lachie Neale (BL)
4 Patrick Cripps (CARL)
3 Sam Walsh (CARL)
2 Levi Ashcroft (BL)
2 Harry McKay (CARL)
1 Bruce Reville (BL)
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20:08
Mini-Match: Brisbane v Carlton
Extended highlights of the Lions and Blues clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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05:27
Full post-match, R9: Lions
Watch Brisbane’s press conference after round nine’s match against Carlton
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06:15
Full post-match, R9: Blues
Watch Carlton’s press conference after round nine’s match against Brisbane
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02:11
Nifty Neale seals Robert Walls Medal with disposal clinic
Lachie Neale continues his impressive season with 33 touches in a hard-fought win against the Blues to claim the Robert Walls Medal
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03:29
Quick Recap: Brisbane v Carlton
Short highlights of the Lions and Blues clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:16
Highlights: Brisbane v Carlton
The Lions and Blues clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:50
‘What is happening?!’: McGovern makes it rain
Mitch McGovern snares a terrific goal as Carlton continues to ride the momentum wave
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00:38
Jagga brings the swagger with timely sizzler
The Blues find life in the third term as young gun Jagga Smith produces a cracker
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00:50
Lion climbs the clouds as huge hanger goes begging
Carlton capitalises through Ben Ainsworth after Logan Morris nearly hauls in a massive Mark of the Year contender
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00:47
‘Forgot which game he was playing’: Gaelic move wows crowd
Conor McKenna kicks the ball up to himself in an Irish special to stun the Gabba
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00:33
‘No way that’s a goal’: Big Lion cooks up something special
Darcy Fort grabs the footy out of the ruck contest and somehow manages to guide it home
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00:34
The Ashcroft connection: Levi’s turn to light up Gabba
Will Ashcroft feeds brother Levi, who curls through a stunning finish to bring the crowd to life
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00:42
Lions finally off the mark after Blue’s dangerous tackle
Logan Morris breaks the deadlock after Nic Newman is penalised for a dangerous tackle in a tense early grind
Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
9 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
6 Ryley Sanders (WB)
4 Michael Sellwood (WB)
3 Bailey Dale (WB)
3 Mitchell Georgiades (PORT)
2 Zak Butters (PORT)
2 Tim English (WB)
1 Ed Richards (WB)
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20:07
Mini-Match: Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Extended highlights of the Power and Bulldogs clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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11:35
Full post-match, R9: Bulldogs
Watch Western Bulldogs’s press conference after round nine’s match against Port Adelaide
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08:21
Full post-match, R9: Power
Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after round nine’s match against Western Bulldogs
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03:23
Quick Recap: Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Short highlights of the Power and Bulldogs clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:16
Highlights: Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
The Power and Bulldogs clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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04:42
Last two mins: Dogs hold on despite Power’s late surge
The thrilling final moments between Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs in round nine
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00:29
Concussion worry for big Dog again in cruel blow
The Bulldogs are dealt a big injury concern in the final quarter as Tim English comes off for assessment after some friendly fire
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00:24
Power star faces nervous MRO wait after big bump
Zak Butters may find himself in hot water after this incident with Joel Freijah in the fourth term
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00:55
West makes most of horror turnover
Rhylee West snares an important goal as Aliir Aliir turns the ball over deep in defence
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00:48
Strong Will: Dog's one-hander is all bite
Will Lewis takes a ripping one-handed pluck out of position against one of the best intercept markers in the game
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00:47
Port youngster's electric major gets crowd to their feet
Adelaide Oval erupts after Ewan Mackinlay pulls off an incredible checkside from his right foot after selling some candy
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00:32
Ump down in agony after clash with star Dog
Ed Richards collides with an umpire after a ruck contest in a potential MRO worry
North Melbourne v Sydney
10 Luke Davies-Uniacke (NMFC)
5 Harry Sheezel (NMFC)
4 Luke Parker (NMFC)
4 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
3 Colby McKercher (NMFC)
2 Nick Blakey (SYD)
1 Finn O'Sullivan (NMFC)
1 Callum Mills (SYD)
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2:04:19
Match Replay: North Melbourne v Sydney
The Kangaroos and Swans clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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20:13
Mini-Match: North Melbourne v Sydney
Extended highlights of the Kangaroos and Swans clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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10:41
Full post-match, R9: Kangaroos
Watch Nth Melbourne’s press conference after round nine’s match against Sydney
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08:45
Full post-match, R9: Swans
Watch Sydney’s press conference after round nine’s match against Nth Melbourne
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03:25
Quick Recap: North Melbourne v Sydney
Short highlights of the Kangaroos and Swans clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:15
Highlights: North Melbourne v Sydney
The Kangaroos and Swans clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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04:35
Last two mins: FOS’s hanger, Zurhaar’s late surge not enough as Swans hold on
The thrilling final moments between North Melbourne and Sydney in round nine
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01:01
Finn-sanity: Young Roo rises for big hanger to spark hope
Finn O’Sullivan comes from nowhere to reel in a massive mark deep into the final term
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00:48
'He's got class': North star doing what he does best
The stage is set for an enthralling finish at Marvel after Harry Sheezel's major brings the margin back to seven points
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00:50
Duursma bends banana home to stay in touch
Zane Duursma displays his forward craft with nifty 'nana for his second major of the day
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00:59
Former teammates scuffle as temperature rises at Marvel
Tom Papley gets the last laugh with a magnificent major after engaging in big fight with livewire Jacob Konstanty
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00:47
'Try and stop him': Papley goal and celebration to match
Tom Papley kicks a scintillating snap from a forward stoppage and celebrates in trademark fashion
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00:47
Big Swan clunks huge grab in first game for the year
Hayden McLean makes his mark at Marvel with this contested grab and much-needed major
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00:51
Zurhaar gets Marvel rocking with this running stunner
Cameron Zurhaar fires up the North Melbourne crowd with this beauty on the run
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00:45
Swans star breaks early tag to unleash 'long bomb'
Isaac Heeney kicks Sydney's first of the day with this monster goal from the centre square
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02:15
Match Previews R9: North Melbourne v Sydney
Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Kangaroos and the Swans at Marvel Stadium
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01:14
Swans ‘up their offer’ for in-demand Amartey
Cal Twomey unpacks multiple Sydney deals on the table to keep Joel Amartey
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03:37
'Not bad for a swap of picks in the 50s and 60s': Swan's surprise bag in breakout game
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Riley Beveridge praise Malcolm Rosas Jnr after his electric seven-goal performance and dissect the Swans’ impressive recent record
Greater Western Sydney v Essendon
5 Lachie Ash (GWS)
5 Finn Callaghan (GWS)
4 Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
4 Archie Roberts (ESS)
3 Sam Durham (ESS)
3 Peter Wright (ESS)
3 Toby Greene (GWS)
2 Brent Daniels (GWS)
1 Clayton Oliver (GWS)
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20:21
Mini-Match: GWS v Essendon
Extended highlights of the Giants and Bombers clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:22
Full post-match, R9: Bombers
Watch Essendon’s press conference after round nine’s match against GWS
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07:42
Full post-match, R9: Giants
Watch GWS’s press conference after round nine’s match against Essendon
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03:30
Quick Recap: GWS v Essendon
Short highlights of the Giants and Bombers clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:16
Highlights: GWS v Essendon
The Giants and Bombers clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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01:19
Smother of the year? Giant's desperate play stops certain goal
Connor Idun throws himself at the footy and prevents the Bombers from landing a crucial major in a stunning play
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00:42
Bombs away: Daniels launches monster major
Brent Daniels takes full toll of the advantage given to goal on the run from outside the arc
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00:42
Bombers blow as young gun injures shoulder
Dyson Sharp is ruled out in the third term after hurting his shoulder during a spoiling attempt
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00:46
'Daniels, did he get the angles right?'
Brent Daniels snaps home a beauty from 40m out under a heap of pressure
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00:47
Perkins finds range to land Giant blow
Archie Perkins kicks a crucial goal midway through the third term to gift Essendon the largest lead of the match
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00:45
Parish pulls the trigger leaving Engie Stadium stunned
Essendon dials up the pressure as Darcy Parish makes the Giants pay from a standing start
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00:30
Giants' 'cheeky' banner swipe at Bombers
GWS uses the topical whiteboard leak to poke light-hearted fun at the last time Essendon won a final
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00:42
Stringer pounces as Giants wave takes shape
Jake Stringer kicks his side's third goal of the opening term after sublime transition footy
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00:37
'Massive roost': Redman returns in fine style
Mason Redman makes an immediate impact from long range after a stint on the sidelines with a knee injury
Gold Coast v St Kilda
9 Daniel Rioli (GCFC)
8 Bodhi Uwland (GCFC)
7 John Noble (GCFC)
4 Noah Anderson (GCFC)
1 Bailey Humphrey (GCFC)
1 Mac Andrew (GCFC)
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20:07
Mini-Match: Gold Coast v St Kilda
Extended highlights of the Suns and Saints clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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06:45
Full post-match, R9: Suns
Watch Gold Coast’s press conference after round nine’s match against St Kilda
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05:12
Full post-match, R9: Saints
Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round nine’s match against Gold Coast
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08:17
Highlights: Gold Coast v St Kilda
The Suns and Saints clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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03:11
Quick Recap: Gold Coast v St Kilda
Short highlights of the Suns and Saints clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:47
‘Jackpot!’: Sinclair goes bang from range
Jack Sinclair delivers this much-needed response with a long-range strike to keep St Kilda within reach
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00:46
Silky Miller strikes on the run
Touk Miller shows his class with this brilliant running finish midway through the third quarter
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00:37
Saints cop huge blow as captain’s night ends early
St Kilda loses skipper Callum Wilkie at half-time after a tough aerial clash leaves him unable to continue
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00:50
Electric Rioli’s huge six-bounce dash kickstarts Suns charge
Daniel Rioli explodes from his defensive 50 to help set up Gold Coast’s second goal of the term
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00:45
Hall gives his all with thumper from beyond the arc
Max Hall unloads from outside 50 to open the scoring for St Kilda
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00:43
King crafts clever Suns opener
Ben King nails Gold Coast’s opening goal with a skilful finish along the ground
Geelong v Collingwood
10 Bailey Smith (GEEL)
7 Oisin Mullin (GEEL)
4 Jordan De Goey (COLL)
4 Max Holmes (GEEL)
3 Scott Pendlebury (COLL)
1 Shannon Neale (GEEL)
1 Shaun Mannagh (GEEL)
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20:03
Mini-Match: Geelong v Collingwood
Extended highlights of the Cats and Magpies clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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11:21
Full post-match, R9: Cats
Watch Geelong’s press conference after round nine’s match against Collingwood
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09:21
Full post-match, R9: Magpies
Watch Collingwood’s press conference after round nine’s match against Geelong
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03:19
Quick Recap: Geelong v Collingwood
Short highlights of the Cats and Magpies clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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08:07
Highlights: Geelong v Collingwood
The Cats and Magpies clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:52
Cat brings out 'Aker' celly after ridiculous boundary shot
Shaun Mannagh pops up to slot an electric goal from the boundary and caps it off with Jason Akermanis' iconic celebration
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00:57
Neale's dislocated digits least of his worries
Shannon Neale takes a great grab and converts truly, but it was his quirky injury that entertained the commentary box
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00:43
'That is venomous': Dempsey fires 'superb' missile with passion
Oliver Dempsey bursts out of the gates from half-time with this exquisite running goal
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00:28
Huge Pies blow as skipper ruled out with concussion
Darcy Moore has been forced out of the contest with concussion concerns after copping a heavy knock moments before half-time
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00:51
‘G rocking as Pendles goals in record-equalling game
The Magpie Army brings plenty of noise as Scott Pendlebury earns a goal in his 432nd appearance
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00:42
Stars combine to gift teammate a major
Brad Close finds himself with an easy major after Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield get involved in this play
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00:57
Josh Daicos gets his turn to light up the 'G
Josh Daicos converts truly in a rare opportunity in front of goal with this quick-thinking effort
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00:39
McStay punishes poor Cats play with 'magnificent finish'
Dan McStay opens the Pies' night in style with this frantic finish that started from a disastrous turnover from Geelong
Melbourne v West Coast
10 Kade Chandler (MELB)
7 Jacob Van Rooyen (MELB)
4 Tom Sparrow (MELB)
3 Jake Waterman (WCE)
3 Ed Langdon (MELB)
2 Harley Reid (WCE)
1 Brady Hough (WCE)
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20:04
Mini-Match: Melbourne v West Coast
Extended highlights of the Demons and Eagles clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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09:15
Full post-match, R9: Demons
Watch Melbourne’s press conference after round nine’s match against West Coast
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09:45
Full post-match, R9: Eagles
Watch West Coast’s press conference after round nine’s match against Melbourne
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01:45
Emerging Demon feasts with five-goal bag
Jacob van Rooyen continues his rapid rise with a towering five-goal performance against West Coast
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03:29
Quick Recap: Melbourne v West Coast
Short highlights of the Demons and Eagles clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
-
08:15
Highlights: Melbourne v West Coast
The Demons and Eagles clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:38
Eagle goes back with the flight for ‘courageous’ mark
Jack Hutchinson soars high for a brave grab and finishes his work with a tidy finish
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00:42
‘That is awesome’: Dees fans applaud Chandler’s craft
Kade Chandler gathers the footy on the burst and spins out trouble before finishing with class
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00:50
Moniz-Wakefield erupts at Marvel after long-awaited first
Andy Moniz-Wakefield lifts the mood around the stadium after marking his return to footy with a cracking maiden major
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00:47
‘Gotta give it to the captain’: Steele shares love with Gawn
The Demons go full team-first as Jack Steele unselfishly feeds skipper Max Gawn near goal
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00:51
Luckless Eagle left bloodied in sickening clash
Harry Edwards is forced from the field with a concussion concern after copping an inadvertent elbow from teammate Elliot Yeo
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01:00
Harley starts the party with first blow for Eagles
Harley Reid gets West Coast off to a cracker with the opening goal of the game
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00:37
Pickett pinged in opening minute for clipping Eagle high
Kysaiah Pickett concedes an early free kick after appearing to catch Jake Waterman high on the burst
Richmond v Adelaide
10 Izak Rankine (ADEL)
7 Jordan Dawson (ADEL)
7 Wayne Milera (ADEL)
2 Rory Laird (ADEL)
2 Tim Taranto (RICH)
1 Josh Worrell (ADEL)
1 Alex Neal-Bullen (ADEL)
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20:12
Mini-Match: Richmond v Adelaide
Extended highlights of the Tigers and Crows clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
-
03:29
Quick Recap: Richmond v Adelaide
Short highlights of the Tigers and Crows clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
-
12:59
Full post-match, R9: Tigers
Watch Richmond’s press conference after round nine’s match against Adelaide
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12:19
Full post-match, R9: Crows
Watch Adelaide’s press conference after round nine’s match against Richmond
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08:15
Highlights: Richmond v Adelaide
The Tigers and Crows clash in round nine of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:38
Big Crow swarmed as ruckman's first goal seals win
Lachlan McAndrew boots his maiden career major and celebrates with a big smile as Adelaide claims victory
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00:39
Cool Cumming curler ignites crowd and brings hope
Sam Cumming finds a pocket of space and nails a composed snap to give Richmond some late belief
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00:47
Aerial Balta flies to keep door ajar as spearhead delivers
Noah Balta sticks a terrific pack mark to set up Tom Lynch's third major as Richmond cuts the margin
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00:42
'Clicked into gear': Stars get busy in rapid double blow
Josh Rachele curls with class within seconds of the second half before Riley Thilthorpe delivers another just moments later
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00:52
Gun's desperate chase and defender's rare moment lifts Crows
Dan Curtin runs down Tyler Sonsie for his first goal of the season before Nick Murray goes forward and threads just his third career major
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00:46
'Special' Seth fires boundary beauty as Tigers start brightly
Seth Campbell crumbs cleanly and nails an impressive finish from the angle after a quick Richmond attack from centre
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00:32
Fast Izak lights spark and gaps youngster with speedy strike
Izak Rankine collects the footy and bursts away from Sam Cumming to thread a brilliant running finish
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00:20
Promising Tiger clutches arm in big injury blow
Tom Brown is ruled out of the remainder of the match after sustaining a suspected forearm injury in this incident
LEADERBOARD
50 Marcus Bontempelli (WB)
50 Zak Butters (PORT)
50 Nick Daicos (COLL)
45 Luke Jackson (FRE)
41 Max Holmes (GEEL)
38 Lachie Neale (BL)
37 Christian Petracca (GCFC)
36 Bailey Smith (GEEL)
35 Shai Bolton (FRE)
35 Isaac Heeney (SYD)
34 Brodie Grundy (SYD)
34 Wayne Milera (ADEL)
34 Jai Newcombe (HAW)
